Brisbane region's training leaders announced

The Brisbane region’s top employers, apprentices, trainees and vocational students have been selected as regional finalists in the Queensland Training Awards.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford congratulated the 18 regional finalists on being chosen in the seven categories from 107 local nominations.

“Vocational skills are more important than ever in Queensland, and these awards show how strong they are at a local level,” Mr Welford said.

“In workplaces, schools, colleges and training institutions, Queenslanders are keeping our skills and knowledge at the cutting edge, across a host of industries that are integral to our daily lives.

“With demand for skilled workers at an all-time high, and more Queenslanders taking up apprenticeships and traineeships than any other area of Australia, our state boasts world-class vocational education and training initiatives — and these awards showcase the best of these achievements.”

Mr Welford said this regional final, one of six across the state, would be held on Friday 1 August 2008 at Brisbane Powerhouse.

Winners will then progress to the State Final on Thursday 11 September 2008 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, where recipients in a further four categories will also be presented.

State winners will have the chance to enter the Australian Training Awards held in Darwin on Thursday 20 November 2008.

The Queensland Training Awards, which are now in their 47^th year, are run by the State Government’s Department of Education, Training and the Arts.

A full list of the region’s finalists follows.

For more information on the Queensland Training Awards, visit www.qta.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000

2008 QUEENSLAND TRAINING AWARDS

BRISBANE REGIONAL FINALISTS

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Marc Ratcliffe Workplace Education and Development

• Timothy Dillon, Certificate III in Food Processing (Retail-Baking Combined), Creative Crusts Pty Ltd, from Deagon
• Michael Page, Certificate III in Plumbing, Bryant Plumbing, from Graceville
• Jeremy Wilmot, Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Trade), Queensland Construction and Engineering Pty Ltd, from Jindalee

Trainee of the Year, sponsored by Busy at Work

• Andrew Bailey, Certificate III in Civil Construction (Road Construction and Maintenance), Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd, from Gailes
• Nicole Harb, Certificate III in Community Services Work, Career Employment Australia, from Hawthorne
• Rachel Reeves, Certificate III in Business Administration, Sarina Russo Job Access, from Ferny Hills

Vocational Student of the Year, sponsored by Queensland Alumina Limited

• Susie Brown, Diploma of Business and Diploma of Business (Frontline Management), Brisbane North Institute of TAFE, from Samford
• Karen Hart, Diploma of Out of School Hours Care, Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE, from Carindale
• Jeni Wycha, Certificate III and IV in Information Technology (Networking), Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE, from Greenbank

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year, sponsored by MEGT Australian Apprenticeships Centre

• Mathew Daniell, Certificate III in Business Administration, Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority, from Capalaba
• Paul Fox, Certificate III in Information Technology, Sunnybank State High School, from Calamvale
• Jami-Lee Upkett, Certificate II in Business, Brisbane City Council, from Sunnybank Hills

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, sponsored by QBuild

• Amy Blow, Certificate III in Outdoor Recreation (Multiple Activities), Department of Communities, from Beaudesert
• Catherine Schonfeldt, Certificate IV in Retail Management, Best & Less, from Kallangur
• Jami-Lee Upkett, Certificate II in Business, Brisbane City Council, from Sunnybank Hills

Employer of the Year, sponsored by Churches of Christ Care

• Dingo Australia from Rocklea
• Macdow Abi Joint Venture from Spring Hill
• Stowe Australia from Eight Mile Plains